What if the dog owner is a friend, neighbor, or family member?
This is a common concern. Filing a claim is not a personal attack. In most cases, the claim is paid by their homeowners or renters insurance policy, not out of their own pocket. The goal is to get you the resources you need to recover without causing financial hardship for the owner.
How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in California?
In California, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim, including a dog bite, is generally two years from the date of the incident. If the victim is a minor, the two-year clock typically starts running on their 18th birthday. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to sue.
What if I don’t know who owns the dog?
This makes a case more challenging, but not impossible. We can help investigate by speaking with neighbors, checking local animal shelter records for matching descriptions of lost dogs, and looking for any potential witnesses who might know the owner.
